Teen Convicted Killer In NH Wants Reduced Sentence

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Lawyers for a man convicted of slashing a woman to death with a machete and maiming her 11-year-old daughter during a home invasion want to have his life sentence reduced.

Steven Spader of Brookline was convicted in the 2009 Mont Vernon home invasion and killing of 42-year-old Kimberly Cates, which occurred a month before he turned 18. He was given a mandatory sentence of life without parole.

His lawyers are asking for a new sentencing hearing in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for those under 18 at the time of the crime are unconstitutional.

Spader’s lawyers are also asking the New Hampshire Supreme Court to put his appeal on hold pending the outcome of his motion.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.